RE: [DL] Which System to Use for a New Game

["Mario Lee Bansen III" <LeeBansen@deadlands.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-deadlands@gamerz.net [mailto:owner-deadlands@gamerz.net]On
> Behalf Of Daniel Stack
> Sent: Monday, August 27, 2001 7:10 PM
> To: deadlands
> Subject: [DL] Which System to Use for a New Game
>
>
> Dan bravely delurks...  I realize this is a fairly sensitive topic so
> I hope not to start a bitter system argument.

It can be and I will never start a bitter argument with one of our awesome
fans!

> I'm currently mulling over which system to use for my Deadlands
> campaign which begins in the fall.
>
> All of the players like and are at least somewhat familiar with the
> d20 system - we've played both d20 D&D and Star Wars with it.
> The players have mixes of preferences - some really like science
> fiction, some like Victorian era, some like the fantasy and magic of
> D&D.  All like action and adventure.  We're currently in a Star
> Trek game.  Discussing what to do when that winds down,
> all players have found something that they find interesting
> in a Deadlands game.
>
> As Marshal, I have access to both incarnations of Deadlands.  I
> certainly feel that using the d20 system will be easier, at least in
> the first phases of the game, given the prior games the players have
> been in.  However, I wonder if the flavor of the
> game would be better served by using the original rules engine.
> As a caveat, I've never actually used the Deadlands system,
> though I have used similar systems.  However, I have heard
> some indicate that it can get quite complicated rather quickly.
> My biggest worry is that I, as gamemaster/Marshal/etc., tend
> to be the only owner of the rules - we tend to run rules-lite
> and I'm curious if others have run Deadlands campaigns in
> a similar manner. (i.e. the Marshal is teacher).
>
> It looks like it'd be a lot of fun, dealing out cards, playing chips, etc.
> Also, I rather like the deadliness of the combat system and the less
> ablative approach to damage.  So far the players seem neutral
> to enthusiastic in trying out the Deadlands rules.
>
> If I do go with the d20 version, I'll certainly not run it like a D&D
> game - for example I plan on being somewhat restrictive with
> hucksters and other arcane characters - characters who behave like
> D&D wizards will quickly find themselves being accused of being in
> league with Lucifer...  However, I do worry that higher level
> characters will be very, very tough to threaten.
>
> Honest, non-flammable opinions sought.
>
> -Dan

Takes this anyway you want it...but my recommendation is to go with the
Deadlands Traditional. If you run into any hassles or problems (rules-wise)
or whatever, then this is the place to ask other Marshals for help.
Deadlands D20 was meant for only one thing and one thing only: GET DEADLANDS
MORE EXPOSURE IN OUR INDUSTRY THAN IT ALREADY HAS!

Lee

Mario Lee Bansen III		Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Inc.
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